again, father?" they said to their parent.

"Just this one, which is the last," he answered, leading them to the
door of a cot where dwelt a poor and lonely widow.

They paused at the threshold, for a voice was heard within, low and
sweet; yet they heard the words of the kneeling form, in deep petition,
saying, "Give me, O Father, my daily bread; forgive me my trespasses,
and lead me not into temptation. For thine is the kingdom, and the
power, and the glory, forever and forever. Amen."

She arose at that instant. A gentle knock was heard. Without delay
she opened it, and smiled upon the strangers, who asked for more than
she could give.

"I have shelter, but no food; yet enter and be welcome," she said, and
opened wide the door.

They passed in, and left their parent, whom they knew would soon follow,
outside.

"I grieve that I have no food to offer thee," said the woman, "but come
to my fireside; for the evening air is chilly, and you must need rest."

She placed for them her only chairs beside the fire, saying, "I am glad
you come to-night; for this is my last fuel, and to-morrow eve it will be
all dark and chill within my dwelling."

The eldest bowed to the woman gracefully, and threw aside her cloak;
and at once the others followed her example.

Great was the surprise of the widow. She thought her senses had
departed, and, for an instant, had no voice, no words, naught but wonder
beaming from her eyes, so sudden and great was the surprise. Another
gentle rap at that instant seemed to help her to find herself, and she
was hastening to open it, when the eldest one said, "It is our father,
come to thank you for admitting angels in disguise; for, though not
angels in form, we hope to prove such by our administration to your
needs." And they laid upon her only table the purses of gold.

"He will ever give daily bread to those who forget not to entertain
strangers," said their father to the widow, as they took their leave of
one who had not refused to receive strangers.

The next morning there was great commotion in the neighborhood;
for the widow had been seen to exchange gold for bread at one of the
shops; but greater still was their surprise when she told them, as they
flocked around her dwelling, that it was given by three strangers who
had asked for bread and shelter the night before.

"Three strangers!" exclaimed they all. "They must be the same that called
at our dwellings. What fools we were that we